“Rick Arora is caught in a situation you would only expect to find in a dark comedy about bureaucracy run amok. He owns Old Morris Tobacconists, a tobacco shop in downtown Victoria, Canada.
The shop has been there since 1892, and has been basically unchanged since a 1910 renovation. It's a fascinating bit of the city's history… It's also a heritage building. If Arora tampers with it, including the old signs noting that "House Blend Tobaccos" and "Havana Cigars" are available inside, he faces big fines.
But the Vancouver Island Health Authority, charged with enforcing anti-smoking legislation that took effect last month, plans to begin issuing tickets to Arora unless he paints over or covers the signs. Fines start at $575 and climb to $5,000…"
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